Our Mission

The Adopt a Mangrove Campaign is a conservation initiative to restore impacted areas and to reduce climate change by planting mangroves. The initial campaign launch will aid in the stabilization and beautification of the spoil island (aka Star Island) dumped on Mangrove Cay Shoal. It will also act as a major campaign for Turks and Caicos Islands residents to unite in reducing the affects of climate change. Most importantly, community support of this endeavor will show our governing authorities and the world that the citizens of the TCI are serious about preserving our Protected Areas, protecting our environment, and banding together to reduce climate change.

Why Plant Mangroves?

The beautiful mangroves that flourish along tropical coasts are a magnificent combination of natural form and function. These important tidal ecosystems are a vital link between land and sea that provide incredible benefits:

  • Stabilize shorelines by consolidating sediments and forming peat
  • Protect against storm surge, waves and wakes
  • Link seagrasses and coral reefs through chemical, biological, physical and migratory activities
  • Serve as nursery grounds for juvenile marine species
  • Provide wildlife habitat for terrestrial species
  • Produce leaves that decompose and become part of the food chain
  • Trap sediments and nutrients, and filter pollutants
  • Offer beautiful locations for boating, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing

Coastal marine habitats featuring mangroves have been degraded by clearing for development, pollution, sedimentation and excess nutrients, all decreasing fisheries and increasing the effects of climate changes. Planting mangroves provides many solutions in this era of environmental challenges.

Challenges
 Solutions
Habitat loss and coastal degradation including runoff of sediments, excessive nutrients and other pollutants
 Mangroves are important filters between land and sea, preventing runoff to seagrass beds and reefs
Decline and redistribution of fisheries
 Mangroves are natural fish nurseries and refuge for many marine species that are important food sources for man
Sea level rise
 Mangroves stabilize shorelines by consolidating sediments and forming peat
Increased storm frequency and intensity
 Mangroves are highly resilient to disturbances and form protective barriers against waves and storm surge
Increased carbon levels (''greenhouse effect'')
 Coastal habitats like mangrove forests store 50 times more carbon in their soils per hectare than tropical forests

For more information, contact Marsha Pardee, MSc, at mangroves@merangel.net

A Caribbean Wildlife Foundation Project